Top places to visit

Address: Estrada das Bandeirantes 24,000, Recreio dos Bandeirantes Tel: 2428 9000 Admission: US$14 Opening Times: 10am-5pm Sat, Sun and holidays

Address: Av Ayrton Senna 2800, Barra da Tijuca Tel: 2421 9444 Admission: adult/child US$12/14 Opening Times: 2-9pm Thu-Sun, noon-9pm Sun

Address: 1st floor, Barra Shopping, Av das Americas, Barra da Tijuca Opening Times: 10am-10pm

Address: Rua Paula e Silva, Sao Cristovao Tel: 2569 2024 Admission: US$2 Opening Times: 9am-4:30pm Tue-Sun

Opening Time: 7am-6pm Admission: Free

The original design of this church (dating back to the 16th century) was originally commissioned by a sea captain who had almost been lost at sea and, upon his safe return, decided to build a church. The design was later revised which led to its present day grandeur. This church is one of the wealthiest and largest churches of Brazil. The design itself is a combination of the Baroque and Renaissance styles, with six panels on the ceiling depicting the story of the captain and the subsequent building of the church. Mass is read at 9am, 10am and 11am on Sunday.

While on first look the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon seem to be just one long beach, there are posts along it that subdivide it into sections appropriate for the diverse crowds that come here. Posto 9 is where you’ll find Rio’s coolest and gorgeous people hang out. That area is also called Cemeterio dos Elefantes because of the old leftists, hippies and artists who go there as well. The beach in front of Rua Farme de Amoedo (called Bolsa de Valores or Crystal Palace) is the gay section while Posto 8 is primarily the domain of favela children. Arpoador, located between Ipanema and Copacabana is Rio’s most popular surfing spot.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in the city, this lake has a 7.2lm cycling/walking track around it. Bikes and paddle boats are available from the Parque Brigadeiro Faria Lima which is nearby. Kiosks dotted around the lake have lovely alfresco dining, serving caipirinhas (sugarcane spirit and crushed citrus) while accompanied by music.

This botanical garden, that’s the symbol of the suburb it is named after, houses over 5000 species of plant. Designed by order of Prince Regent Dom Joao in 1808, it’s a quiet place on weekdays but busier on weekends when families come and there is an outdoor cafe.

English style gardens and lakes are to be found here as well as the Instituto Nacional de Belas Artes, which often houses art exhibitions.

As with Ipanema, there are signposted areas designating which groups occupies which part of the beach. Leme beach is frequented by the favela children and older residents; while the area between the Copacabana Palace and Rua Santa Clara is where young footballers hold court while Posts 5 and 6 are a mix of favela children and Carioca residents. The beach is lit at night and there are police but it is not wise to walk on the sand at night. Av NS de Copacabana can also be dangerous so watch out on weekends when few locals are around.

Sunset on a clear day is the best time to visit this mountain, which from its peak offers the best view of Rio de Janeiro. Try to avoid going around 10-11am and 2-3pm which is when the tourist buses arrive. There are two cable cars that connect to the summit. The first ascends 220m to Morro da Urca which has its own restaurant, souvenir shops, a playground and outdoor theatre. The second cable car goes up Pao de Acucar; when you get to the top you can experience the views of Corcovado and Christo Rendentor to the west and Copacabana beach to the south. The cable cars depart every 30 minutes.

Famous during the 1940s and 50s, Brazil’s most famous singer may be forgotten in Hollywood but she is still revered here. The museum has recordings of her singing and photographs of her everywhere but the big attraction is the starlet’s iconic costumes and jewellery.

Sitting atop Corcovado (710m) is Christo Rendentor, or Christ the Redeemer, the most famous landmark in all of Rio de Janeiro. He gazes out over Rio, open armed and standing tall at 38m and 1145 tons, when lit at night he is visible from every part of the city. The view itself from Corcovado (‘hunchback’ in Portuguese) is spectacular. To get here you can take taxis (who charge a US$20 fee for a return trip with waiting time) but the best way is to take the cog train which departs every 30 minutes.

The bonde (tram) that travels from Centro up to Saint Teresa is the last of the original historic streetcars that once went thought the city. The bonde travels over the Arcos do Lapa and up Rua Joaquim Murtinho before reaching Largo do Guimaraes. From there one line takes a north-western route before terminating at Largo das Neves. There is a longer route which continues Largo do Guimaraes uphill and southward before terminating at Dois Irmaos Although a policeman does accompany the tram on occasion, favelas still frequent it so be aware. Tours on the tram depart every Saturday at 10am, cost US$3.50.